Looking for Info regarding replacing Pontoons On Older Pontoon Boats

[Draketake]

Morning all,

New to this Pontoon Boat thing. Not the smartest kid in class, so still learning.

I have been basically gifted, an older, Outcast, Fish Cat 9, ( 9 foot pontoons). Everything works perfectly but I am thinking of options, just in case of a failure.

Outcast has changed the design of their Fish Cat 9/ Fish Cat 9 IR, pontoon covers and corresponding replacement bladders. It is a better design. However the new design has the air valve, on the end of the pontoon cover. This change makes it much easier for the filling and expelling, of air.

My valve cover, is just off center of the zipper, in the center of the pontoon. Thus, the bladder valve and ponton cover on mine, will not match the current pontoon cover and bladder assembly, Outcast sells, for the newer Fish Cat 9/9IR models.

I have noticed that there are a lot of very decent pontoon boats that come up on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. If in the future, I need to replace one or both of my older, Fish Cat 9, pontoon assemblies ( cover and bladder ), are they mostly interchangeable, with other makes/models?

Background to the query. Looking at my friends, new, Bucks Bags, "Low Impact", model, it seems like his 8 foot, almost flat rockered, pontoons, (designed mostly for Lake fishing), would also work on my Fish Cat 9. Specifically, the two inner/inside, web straps to go to the Bucks Bag frame and the two outer, web straps, to go around the outside of the Bucks Bag frame, would also fit my older Fish Cat 9 Frame. Can it be that simple? Am I missing something important? If so please advise.

Yes I could buy a new set of Fish Cat 9 Pontoons and Bladders, from Outcast. However, being Scottish, I would like to go the repurpose/reuse route if possible.

Thank you for any and all help.

Bob

 

[Matt B]

If they fit, they fit. N need to overthink it. Smaller pontoons that hold less air will change the ride and capacity a bit, but if it floats and the pontoons are secure, that's pretty much the deal.

 

[Peyton00]

Can you just cut out around your cover where the valve would be for the new model?

 

[Draketake]

@Matt B thanks for the feedback. Yeah I was thinking looking at all the different makes/models, they are all pretty much the same design, regarding the 4, Frame, tie down straps.

@Peyton00 Ive thought about maybe doing that if need be. If I go that route, I dont think it will mater much in the overall integrity of the older Pontoon Cover. Thanks for the input.

 

[Matt B]

@Matt B thanks for the feedback. Yeah I was thinking looking at all the different makes/models, they are all pretty much the same design, regarding the 4, Frame, tie down straps.

@Peyton00 Ive thought about maybe doing that if need be. If I go that route, I dont think it will mater much in the overall integrity of the older Pontoon Cover. Thanks for the input.

I just re-read your post again and realized that everything works perfectly. Outcast makes quality stuff. I wouldn’t worry about it breaking too much until it’s broke, and just go fish and enjoy.

Within reason of course. What are you planning to do? Always wear a pfd regardless. But there’s a difference between floating Pass Lake or the Yakima Canyon versus a float plane drop in interior BC.

 

[Draketake]

@Matt B,

Thanks again for the second look.

No wild ass trips planned. Just Lakes, some Deschutes and Mckenzie Floats. Maybe the John Day.

PFD user for sure.

Since the early 80's, living in Montana/Wyoming, Ive always.....always lusted for a Bucks Bag set up. However, this older, basically gifted, Fish Cat 9, will do me just fine. It is infused with some incredibly good Karma.

Have a good nite.

Bob

 

[Tuzz]

Morning all,

New to this Pontoon Boat thing. Not the smartest kid in class, so still learning.

I have been basically gifted, an older, Outcast, Fish Cat 9, ( 9 foot pontoons). Everything works perfectly but I am thinking of options, just in case of a failure.

Outcast has changed the design of their Fish Cat 9/ Fish Cat 9 IR, pontoon covers and corresponding replacement bladders. It is a better design. However the new design has the air valve, on the end of the pontoon cover. This change makes it much easier for the filling and expelling, of air.

My valve cover, is just off center of the zipper, in the center of the pontoon. Thus, the bladder valve and ponton cover on mine, will not match the current pontoon cover and bladder assembly, Outcast sells, for the newer Fish Cat 9/9IR models.

I have noticed that there are a lot of very decent pontoon boats that come up on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. If in the future, I need to replace one or both of my older, Fish Cat 9, pontoon assemblies ( cover and bladder ), are they mostly interchangeable, with other makes/models?

Background to the query. Looking at my friends, new, Bucks Bags, "Low Impact", model, it seems like his 8 foot, almost flat rockered, pontoons, (designed mostly for Lake fishing), would also work on my Fish Cat 9. Specifically, the two inner/inside, web straps to go to the Bucks Bag frame and the two outer, web straps, to go around the outside of the Bucks Bag frame, would also fit my older Fish Cat 9 Frame. Can it be that simple? Am I missing something important? If so please advise.

Yes I could buy a new set of Fish Cat 9 Pontoons and Bladders, from Outcast. However, being Scottish, I would like to go the repurpose/reuse route if possible.

Thank you for any and all help.

Bob

I just bought the same pontoon but once I inflated I found 6 seam leaks- now I’m out 400$ (I know I should have checked rather than take the guys word for it). I am considering buying Maxxon replacement pontoons, that would bring my total cost to $1200- thoughts? Should I just buy a new set up? I want to be able to stand up so 9’ I think is the minimum.

 

[Draketake]

Hey @Tuzz,

Yes buying the replacement pontoons from outcast is the best way to replace. However if your covers are still solid just buy new bladders.

If you do order just the bladder(s) talk with Chris at Outcast. He told me recently that they still have older bladders available. He will ask you to text him and send pictures of your exact pontoon cover. This is important as over the years the fill valve has moved locations. The bladder air valve needs to be The same to go through the pontoon cover skin.

If you can get away just replacing the bladder and not the cover, you cut that cost in half. Thats a little less painful.

I’ve also noticed recently that on EBay, Craigslist, etc there are lots of Pontoon Boats for sale cheap. You could also hunt for replacement bladders/covers there. Now you know what to look for and how to check for leaks you could find replacements(s) at a very low cost, if your patient.

I will say one other thing. Outcast provides excellent customer Service via phone, just not via email.

Lastly pontoon boat frames appear to be pretty standard. One could use say Bucks Bags Pontoons on Outcast Pontoon Frames.
There are other Pontoon Manufacturers which I think would also work. If you go that route and buy used, make sure the attachment straps are not compromised.

Good luck.

Hit me up with any more questions if u have any.

Just thought of this, I think outcast recommends 10 foot pontoons for stand up. IIRC Scaddens Skykomish Sunrise
Pontoon has 9 foot bladders. You can stand up in this one and it has a casting bar/brace. The standing platform slides under the boat seat.

Bob